There might be people who want to profit off the needs of consumers as they work to recover from the effects of Hurricane Ian. Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s price gouging hotline for all consumers in Florida. Collier County officials urge consumers to report price gouging to 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber, equipment, and storm-related services needed as a direct result of the event.

Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, in addition to other civil penalties that may apply. State law also criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without the possession of an occupational license. Violators can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.

For more information, visit www.myfloridalegal.com.